Rehabilitation

Information we need from people dropping off wildlife: Name, address, and phone number; location where the bird was found.

How to contact us: Call 780-922-3024 or the cell phone 780-720-5507 or TEXT to 780-720-5507.

Species we care for: Our permits allow us to care for all native Alberta raptors and anyone to transport them to us who has been in contact with us.

Important facts:1. Provincial and federal laws require people caring for native wildlife to be licensed wildlife rehabilitators. It is NOT legal for members of the public to attempt to care for any native wildlife without such permits. 2. Do NOT feed any raptor unless you will be holding it over 24 hours. A dish of water may be provided if the animal is alert and able to drink. Baby birds should NOT be offered water unless they are fully feathered and perching, in which case a dish may be provided3. When in doubt, provide a warm, quiet, dark environment and do nothing else until you reach ASIBP staff on the phone and we can arrange for transfer of the animal to our facility.

Information for the public:

-Some birds nest on the ground (Short-eared Owls, Marsh Hawks, etc) and babies on the ground are normal for these species.-A fallen nest can be returned to the tree, or a well-draining substitute can be made from a punctured butter tub and mounted in the tree as close as possible to where it came from. Baby birds may be returned to the nest if it can be located. Monitor continuously for 2-4 hours to watch for parental care. It is NOT true that touching baby animals causes their mother to reject them. If in doubt, touch ALL the babies. Birds have little sense of smell, and mammals want their babies to smell alike.

-The Strathcona Raptor Shelter can offer many solutions for "problem" wildlife nesting in or on a house. Call 780-922-3024 for assistance. It is illegal to destroy nests containing babies or use lethal methods without Alberta Fish and Wildlife permission.

--Improper food can cause more harm than good. Do not offer food to any wildlife unless told to do so. Never put water in the mouth of a bird. A dish of water may be offered to alert animals with their eyes open and able to hold their heads up. Birds are not a lactating species--do not offer milk. Raw hamburger is not a proper diet for any species.

The best thing you can provide for any wild animal is warmth, dark, and quiet until it can be treated by a trained and licensed rehabilitator. Do not feed any animal unless instructed to do so.

Raptors—Can be dangerous, even as babies. Feet are their most powerful weapons. An injured raptor can be easily immobilized by throwing a blanket over them and scooping them into a cardboard box. A cardboard box with air holes in the sides is the best transport vessel for a raptor.

Please try to handle wildlife as little as possible. Stress due to overhandling can be fatal.SeeCapture myopathy​